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marine birdwatching boat tour at são miguel azores islands-2
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Day Trips

Marine Birdwatching Boat Tour at São Miguel Azores Islands

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Join a nautical expedition with biologists and naturalists to discover hidden places and observe seabirds, and coastal colonies. Look for the season’s shorebirds, seabirds, and perhaps even whales, with incredible ocean views off the Azores Islands in Portugal!

Highlights

  • Identify a diverse set of marine bird species off the coast of the Azores Islands.
  • Armed with Opticron 8x42 Binoculars and a full life vest, you will board a Zodiac RIB Boat that can take you across the waters at high speeds.
  • A professional guide, experienced skipper, and radio cooperation with high inland lookouts enable you to witness as much wildlife as possible!
  • Look for the season’s shorebirds, seabirds, and perhaps even whales, with incredible ocean views off São Miguel Island.
  • The islands are home to the largest known colonies of the majestic Cory’s shearwater, along with species like Bulwer’s Petrel, Yellow-legged Gulls, and special sightings of Bridled or Sooty Terns.

Inclusions

  • Opticron 8x42 Binoculars
  • Professional wildlife guide
  • Experienced skipper
  • Zodiac RIB Boat Ride
  • Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest
  • Insurance

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Hidden Coves and Reefs

Follow your guide and skipper to the designated boat and go out to sea. First, the boat will travel along the coast to observe the known coastal colonies, shorebirds, and life at the volcano islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and then head out to sea looking to find seabirds and perhaps some spectacular underwater cetaceans.

High inland lookouts help locate our oceanic friends and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel initially at high speed. While carefully approaching undetected viewing distance, your guide will keep you informed.

Birdwatching, Scientific Photography, and Marine Biology

Many Birds find oases in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as an on-route refuge - marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in Spring with the arrival of migratory species, and in Autumn with rare American vagrants.

Commonly found breeding species are Roseate Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Bulwer’s, Grant’s, and Monteiro’s Storm-petrels. Encounter the magnificent Cory’s Shearwater in their largest community on Earth. These seabirds breed in caves, burrows, and crevices under fallen rocks in the Azore islands and islets.

Migratory species you might spot include Little Egret, Turnstones, Whimbrels, Pomarines, Great Shearwater, and Leach’s Storm-petrels. You will know them very closely as your scientific guide teaches you how to identify them with ease.

At 11am you will be returned to the Marina for check-out, leaving with what we can hope is a deepened appreciation for the life that exists on this planet.

Important Information

  • This experience is not suitable for people in wheelchairs, with back issues, or delicate health conditions.
  • This experience is not suitable for pregnant people.
  • This experience is not suitable for children under the age of 4.
  • It is recommended to eat light, bring your personal water supply, sunscreen, chap-stick, and warm clothing.
  • Light food is permitted onboard.
  • A camera with zoom is recommended.

Timings

  • Daily: 8am to 11am
  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide at Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™
  • Address: Marina Vila Franca do Campo 4 9680-187 São Miguel Island.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

  • The closest bus stop is Vila Franca Do Campo - Terminal. It is a quick 6-minute walk to the meeting point.
  • Board buses #C315 #C316 #C318 to get you there.

By Car

  • If you're driving to the meeting point, take From Ponta Delgada city center by auto or car, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the Marina where our Base and Yellow Boats are stationed - and Free Parking can be found.
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